NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University Head Women's Rugby Coach Baylee Annis has announced the addition of former Cadet standout Anita DiMento '21 to the coaching staff as the program's newest assistant coach.
A 2021 Norwich graduate, DiMento returns to Dog River Rugby Pitch after serving as a volunteer 7's coach. A former forward for the Cadets, she brings first-hand knowledge of the program's championship culture along with years of leadership experience as both an athlete and coach.
"It is truly an honor to be back with this institution," DiMento said. "My time as a student-athlete with NUWRFC shaped who I am and how I show up in our community. I'm excited to share the lessons I learned during that time with the next generation of women."
"I'd like to thank Coach Connor (Keating) for his part in that, and his recommendation. I bring a fierce love of the game, appreciate the value of teamwork, and am cooking up some new strategies for the forwards. I am confident that, combined with Coach Baylee's expertise, this team can reach Nationals." said DiMento. "Thank you to Coach Weggler and Baylee for the opportunity. I'm honored to hold such a prestigious role here and can't wait to see what this season holds. Go Wick!"
DiMento earned her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Norwich University. During her time on campus, she competed for the Norwich Women's Rugby Club after previously playing rugby in Canada, primarily as a prop and flanker. Her experience in the forward pack gives her valuable insight into forward play, set pieces, and the physical demands of the collegiate game.
Beyond rugby, DiMento has demonstrated leadership throughout her career. She has served as a volunteer coach with the Norwich Women's Rugby program, coached youth hockey camps, and held numerous leadership roles both professionally and athletically. Throughout her playing career, she was elected captain across multiple sports, experiences that helped develop her communication skills and ability to lead teams toward a common goal.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome Anita DiMento back to the Norwich Rugby family as our next assistant coach," Annis said. "Anita brings a wealth of knowledge as a previous student-athlete. Anita will be an incredible asset in our development of set pieces and in defense. It is especially exciting to be returning 'home' to our Dog River Rugby Pitch with an alumnus rejoining the team. We are eager for preseason to get her back home on the pitch!"
DiMento joins the Cadets as Norwich prepares for the upcoming 15s season, where she will work closely with the forwards while assisting in the continued development of the program's defensive systems and set-piece play.
